Summer is a busy season for many wood floor professionals, but it’s also one of the easiest times for coating products to be unintentionally damaged. While most people focus on proper application techniques, storage conditions are just as important to achieving the results you expect.
Trailers, garages, warehouses, and other non-climate-controlled spaces can quickly reach temperatures well above the outside air temperature during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can permanently damage wood floor coatings, affecting their performance before they ever make it onto the floor.
Whether you’re a distributor managing inventory or a contractor transporting products from job to job, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your investment.
Stay Informed: Bring Out the Best in Every Floor with Basic Coatings
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Store Coatings at the Right Temperature
For best results, store Basic Coatings® products between 50°F and 80°F in a clean, temperature-controlled environment. Avoid storing coatings in areas where temperatures can climb rapidly, including:
- Trailers
- Direct sunlight
- Garages or attics
- Near furnaces, water heaters, or other heat-producing equipment
While it may be convenient to leave products in a vehicle or trailer overnight, summer heat can quickly push temperatures beyond the recommended storage range. Once a coating has been damaged by excessive heat, it cannot be restored and should not be used.
Allow Products to Acclimate Before Application
Proper storage doesn’t end when you arrive at the jobsite. Before applying any coating, move the product into the building where the floor will be coated at least 24 hours before application. Allowing the coating to acclimate to the jobsite temperature helps promote consistent flow, easier application, and reliable performance.
Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to inspect products before use and ensure they’re ready for application.
Protect Every Project
Proper storage is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary product waste, application issues, and costly project delays. By keeping coatings within the recommended temperature range and allowing them to acclimate before use, you help ensure they perform exactly as they were designed.
A little extra attention to storage today can make all the difference in the quality and durability of tomorrow’s finished floor.